Hit by a Car and Don’t Know What to Do? Your Complete Legal Guide

Accidents happen when we least expect them. One moment you’re walking, biking, or driving, and the next, you’re hit by a car. In those confusing minutes afterward, it’s normal to feel scared, disoriented, and unsure of what steps to take. Knowing what to do immediately after being hit can protect your health, your rights, and your chance at fair compensation.

At Anderson Franco Law, we’ve helped hundreds of accident victims across the San Francisco Bay Area understand their legal options and recover the compensation they deserve. Here’s what you should do if you’ve been hit by a car and don’t know where to start.

1. Prioritize Your Safety and Get Medical Attention

The most important thing is your health. Move to a safe area away from traffic if possible. Even if you feel okay, call 911 and request medical help. Many accident injuries — like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding — don’t cause immediate pain but can worsen over time.

When you visit the emergency room or your doctor, make sure your injuries are fully documented. These medical records will be essential if you decide to file a personal injury claim later.

2. Call the Police and Get a Report

Always report the accident to law enforcement. A police report provides an official record of the incident, including witness statements and details about who was involved.

When the officers arrive:

• Give a clear, honest statement about what happened.
• Avoid admitting fault or guessing — stick to the facts.
• Ask for the report number so you can request a copy later.

This report can help prove liability if the other driver denies responsibility.

3. Collect Evidence at the Scene

If you can safely do so, gather as much information as possible before leaving the scene.
Here’s what to document:

• The other driver’s name, license plate, and insurance details.
• Photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, skid marks, and surroundings.
• Contact information for witnesses.

The more evidence you have, the stronger your personal injury case will be.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible — even if you weren’t driving. Many policies, including uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, may help pay for medical care and damages.

However, be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters. They might try to minimize your claim or get you to admit something that reduces your compensation. Stick to the facts and avoid signing anything before consulting with an attorney.

5. Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often make quick, low settlement offers soon after a crash. They know you’re stressed, injured, and might need money fast. But accepting early could cost you thousands of dollars in unpaid medical bills, lost wages, or future care costs.

Before agreeing to anything, talk to a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate the full value of your claim.

6. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

An experienced attorney can handle the insurance companies, investigate fault, and make sure you receive fair compensation. At Anderson Franco Law, we handle cases on a contingency basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Your lawyer can:

• Collect police and medical reports.
• Work with experts to calculate damages.
• Negotiate with insurers or take your case to court.

In many cases, a lawyer can recover significantly more money than you’d get on your own.

7. Understand What Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you were hit by a car, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, prescriptions)
• Lost wages (if you missed work due to injuries)
• Pain and suffering (emotional and physical distress)
• Property damage (repairs or vehicle replacement)
• Future medical care (ongoing treatment needs)

A lawyer can help determine the full value of your case and fight for maximum compensation.

8. What If the Driver Fled the Scene?

If you were injured in a hit-and-run, don’t lose hope.
California law requires drivers to stop after an accident, but many don’t.

Here’s what to do:

• Report the hit-and-run immediately to the police.
• Provide as much detail as you can — vehicle make, color, license plate, direction of travel.
• Check for surveillance cameras nearby.
• Contact your insurance provider to make an uninsured motorist (UM) claim.

Your own policy may cover your injuries even if the at-fault driver isn’t found.

9. Avoid Common Mistakes After an Accident

To protect your rights, avoid these errors:

• Don’t delay seeing a doctor — gaps in treatment can hurt your case.
• Don’t post about your accident on social media.
• Don’t assume the insurance company is on your side.
• Don’t wait too long to file a claim — most California personal injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations.

10. Get Legal Help from Anderson Franco Law

If you were hit by a car in San Francisco or anywhere in California, Anderson Franco Law is here to help. Our team represents injured victims — not insurance companies. We understand how stressful this time can be and guide you through every step of the process.

We offer free consultations and will review your case at no cost. Whether your accident involved a car, truck, or pedestrian collision, you deserve justice and fair compensation.

📞 Call (415) 727-1832 or visit www.andersonfranco.com to schedule your free case evaluation today.

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Hit by a car and don’t know what to do? Learn what steps to take after being hit, from medical care to contacting a San Francisco injury lawyer. Free consultation at Anderson Franco Law.

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